'Stood Tall When The Storm Raged': Fans & Former Cricketers Pay Rich Tribute To Cheteshwar Pujara After Veteran Test Batter's Retirement

Indian cricket fans and cricketing fraternity have paid rich tribute to Cheteshwar Pujara, who has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The Saurashtra batter has drawn curtains on his career after featuring for India in 103 Tests and five ODIs, notably scoring 7195 Test runs as fans and ex-cricketers acknowledged his grit on the crease.

The dogged right-handed batter hasn't played for India since the World Test Championship final against Australia held in 2023 at The Oval. Nevertheless, Pujara played a critical role in India's rise as a Test nation, headlined by two series wins in Australia. The 2018-19 series saw the 37-year-old finish with 521 runs with centuries in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

Although Pujara couldn't manage a hundred in the 2020-21 leg, his resilience ensured that the others could bat around him and India sealed yet another series victory. Taking to his official accounts of X and Instagram, Pujara wrote the below as caption:

"Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field - it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant. But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket. Thank you for all the love and support."

Here's how fans and former cricketers have reacted to Pujara's retirement:

Cheteshwar Pujara worked as a commentator for BBC Sport during the recent England-India Test series

Meanwhile, Pujara has already entered into the broadcasting arena and was most recently saw him commentating for BBC during the England-India Test series. He also worked in the same capacity for ESPN Cricinfo.

Having retired from all forms of Indian cricket, the right-hander will also not be seen in the upcoming season of the Ranji Trophy and is likely to focus more into his broadcasting career.